Folsom Zoo Recap

This past Saturday, MLF hosted its monthly educational booth outside the cougar enclosure at the Folsom Zoo (Sacramento-area, California).  Volunteers handed out free mountain lion postcards to visitors, as well as information on living with lions and fun activity sheets for kids to take home.  These Saturday events are a great way to connect with the community and teach residents in the foothills all about their wild neighbors.  Seeing mountain lions up close in the zoo setting also calms any fear people may have and often brings a new understanding and appreciation for the American lion.

On the Prowl

The two male cougars, Rio and Ventura, were both very active in the morning chasing each other around and chirping a high-pitched “yip” as they played.  When one of the zookeepers arrived with breakfast, they eagerly trotted to the indoor enclosure to enjoy their morning chow (shown in the video clip).  If you listen carefully and ignore the rooster in the background, at the 10 second marker when they are passing each other you can hear a short “yip” chirp from one of the boys.

Flash, the young female (whose controversial rescue story you may remember from last year) spent the day snoozing in her small cave near the front fence.  Perhaps she was annoyed by the rowdy boys, but some visitors wandered if she was mourning the loss of Alder — the zoo’s older female cougar who passed away a few weeks ago and may have served as somewhat of a surrogate mother-figure for Flash.

Remembering Alder

Visitors honored Alder’s memory by sharing their stories of her and coloring paper hearts that will be used to create a memorial display.

Alder will be missed, but everyone took comfort in knowing she was given a good life at the zoo.  Despite health issues and suffering from seizures, Alder was at least twelve years old (an ol’ granny in cougar years!) and maintained her feisty playful attitude until the end.  And looking towards the future, Alder’s passing may now open up a forever home for another orphaned kitten in need.

Join Us

MLF will return to the Folsom Zoo this month for another Saturday outreach event.  New volunteers are welcome to join (you’ll get into the park free) and it’s a great way to learn more about mountain lions.  To get involved, sign up for MLF’s volunteer announcements or send an email to outreach@mountainlion.org.

We hope to see you there!

A special thank you to Estelle, Pat, and Lyn (pictured here from left to right) for helping run the booth.  Great work, ladies!

To learn more about the Mountain Lion Foundation, visit www.MountainLion.org